Looking for American Expats in Shanghai?

No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what American expats love about Shanghai— and the challenges they face.

Pros of life in Shanghai

It's safe and friendly. With safety being one of the first thing on a lot of our American members minds, we have found that Shanghai is in fact one of the safest major cities in the world. However, pickpocketing and petty crimes remain prevalent in tourist areas or crowded streets, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Daily life is astonishingly convenient. Accessibility is one thing China and particularly Shanghai prioritizes, with door-to-door delivery, an excellent public transportation system, and endless restaurant options everyday life just gets that much easier.

It's a place to build something. While many still believe in the ideology of the “American dream”, our American members have found that it is much easier to start small businesses or climb the ranks in Shanghai with its booming business scene leaving room for tons of opportunities and career advancement prospects.

Healthcare can be a plus. In Shanghai, there is an abundance of small clinics and hospitals all over the city with many English-speaking options. The quality, affordability and efficiency of the public and private healthcare is frequently mentioned and praised by American expats.

There's always something to do. According to Expat Insider, Shanghai ranks 11th out of 50 for Leisure Options. With entertainment and social activity options spanning from Michelin-starred restaurants to attractions like Shanghai Disneyland, there is rarely a dull moment in Shanghai.

Cons of life in Shanghai

Internet restrictions frustrate. You might be wondering, what is blocked in China? And the short answer is, everything you rely on daily. With government restrictions and blocks on apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, our American members share common frustrations regarding the Great Firewall.

Air quality can be poor. With Shanghai’s industrial history and close proximity to heavy industry, Americans note bad-air days though many add that it has improved from previous years. Many locals even keep air-purifying machines at home or leave the house with face masks on.

US-China tensions complicate travel. Travelling to and fro from the US to China may not be as easy as any other country with an unstable relationship between the two countries. With specific exit-entry visa requirements and legal requirements, Americans find it a big hassle just to visit home.

The initial culture shock takes some getting used to. With the absence of dryers and clotheslines everywhere, actual mainland Chinese food (not Panda Express) and different dining customs the culture can take some adjusting to.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

Where can I meet other Americans in Shanghai?

If you’re into the idea of just bumping into other Americans in a bar, you can try The Rooster, a go-to spot for American football fans. They open early for both the College Football Playoffs and the NFL Playoffs, screening them live. Another fun sports bar would be Parlay who also bring the infamous Kansas City barbecue flavors to Shanghai.

An easier way to make friends is attending specific events for Americans or expats in general.

The Shanghai Expatriate Association hosts semi-regular events, and our InterNations events are also a great opportunity to meet Americans and other English-speaking expats in Shanghai. Our Newcomers’ Events are geared towards introducing newcomers to the community, which makes finding friends a whole lot easier than trying your luck in a bar.

Where do Americans live in Shanghai?

Quite a few of our American members live in areas with strong international communities, international schools with good working and socializing amenities. Popular choices are split between central historical districts and modern family-friendly areas either in the Pudong and Puxi districts. Here are some common American housing spots:

Former French Concession (FFC): Offers historic charm with tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and renovated lane houses with art galleries and cafes and international dining options.

Jing'an: Great for young professionals with a central, cosmopolitan feel, luxury boutiques, international restaurants, vibrant nightlife and easy metro access.

Jinqiao: Perfect for families with suburban-style living, green spaces, international schools, and community amenities like gyms and pools.

Lujiazui: Located in Shanghai's financial district, finance and business professionals often choose this area for short commutes to offices.

Will I be able to survive in Shanghai without speaking Mandarin?

The language barrier in Shanghai still exits, with some locals speaking only basic or limited English. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and amongst the younger generation, learning basic Mandarin can greatly ease daily life in Shanghai not to mention speed up the integration and adjustment process. You’ll definitely run into the proverbial language barrier, usually when you order food at a local restaurant, use public transportation, and when you seek medical care at a small local clinic or hospital.

Ideally, treat your time in Shanghai as an opportunity to learn some Mandarin. You will never regret any cultural immersion efforts, and there are a variety of affordable language schools for expats and local translation apps such as Pleco and Baidu Translate to get you started.

We’re not just in Shanghai! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.

So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities.